TY - JOUR
T1 - User design and experience preferences in a novel smartphone application for migraine management
T2 - A think aloud study of the RELAXaHEAD application
AU - Minen, Mia T.
AU - Jalloh, Adama
AU - Ortega, Emma
AU - Powers, Scott W.
AU - Sevick, Mary Ann
AU - Lipton, Richard B.
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2018 American Academy of Pain Medicine. All rights reserved.
PY - 2019/2/1
Y1 - 2019/2/1
N2 - Objective. Scalable nonpharmacologic treatment options are needed for chronic pain conditions. Migraine is an ideal condition to test smartphone-based mind-body interventions (MBIs) because it is a very prevalent, costly, disabling condition. Progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) is a standardized, evidence-based MBI previously adapted for smartphone applications for other conditions. We sought to examine the usability of the RELAXaHEAD application (app), which has a headache diary and PMR capability. Methods. Using the “Think Aloud” approach, we iteratively beta-tested RELAXaHEAD in people with migraine. Individual interviews were conducted, audio-recorded, and transcribed. Using Grounded Theory, we conducted thematic analysis. Participants also were asked Likert scale questions about satisfaction with the app and the PMR. Results. Twelve subjects participated in the study. The mean duration of the interviews (SD, range) was 36 (11, 19–53) minutes. From the interviews, four main themes emerged. People were most interested in app utility/practicality, user interface, app functionality, and the potential utility of the PMR. Participants reported that the daily diary was easy to use (75%), was relevant for tracking headaches (75%), maintained their interest and attention (75%), and was easy to understand (83%). Ninety-two percent of the participants would be happy to use the app again. Participants reported that PMR maintained their interest and attention (75%) and improved their stress and low mood (75%). Conclusions. The RELAXaHEAD app may be acceptable and useful to migraine participants. Future studies will examine the use of the RELAXaHEAD app to deliver PMR to people with migraine in a low-cost, scalable manner.
AB - Objective. Scalable nonpharmacologic treatment options are needed for chronic pain conditions. Migraine is an ideal condition to test smartphone-based mind-body interventions (MBIs) because it is a very prevalent, costly, disabling condition. Progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) is a standardized, evidence-based MBI previously adapted for smartphone applications for other conditions. We sought to examine the usability of the RELAXaHEAD application (app), which has a headache diary and PMR capability. Methods. Using the “Think Aloud” approach, we iteratively beta-tested RELAXaHEAD in people with migraine. Individual interviews were conducted, audio-recorded, and transcribed. Using Grounded Theory, we conducted thematic analysis. Participants also were asked Likert scale questions about satisfaction with the app and the PMR. Results. Twelve subjects participated in the study. The mean duration of the interviews (SD, range) was 36 (11, 19–53) minutes. From the interviews, four main themes emerged. People were most interested in app utility/practicality, user interface, app functionality, and the potential utility of the PMR. Participants reported that the daily diary was easy to use (75%), was relevant for tracking headaches (75%), maintained their interest and attention (75%), and was easy to understand (83%). Ninety-two percent of the participants would be happy to use the app again. Participants reported that PMR maintained their interest and attention (75%) and improved their stress and low mood (75%). Conclusions. The RELAXaHEAD app may be acceptable and useful to migraine participants. Future studies will examine the use of the RELAXaHEAD app to deliver PMR to people with migraine in a low-cost, scalable manner.
KW - MHealth
KW - Migraine
KW - Mind Body Intervention
KW - Progressive Muscle Relaxation
KW - Smartphone
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U2 - 10.1093/pm/pny080
DO - 10.1093/pm/pny080
M3 - Article
C2 - 29868895
AN - SCOPUS:85063951854
SN - 1526-2375
VL - 20
SP - 369
EP - 377
JO - Pain Medicine (United States)
JF - Pain Medicine (United States)
IS - 2
ER -